After WW2, the four main Allied Powers(the U.S, the U.K., France, and the Soviet Union) divided Germany into four sectors, each controlled by one of the countries. Berlin, the capital, was also separated this way. The leader of the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin, instituted a blockade. This prevented food supplies reaching the West. Several countries started a Berlin airlift, bringing food and other supplies. The blockade was taken down in May 1949.

During the next few years, West Berlin's economy grew and the way of living greatly improved. Due to this, East Germans fled to West Germany. More than 3.5 million fled to West Germany. This was approximately 20% of all of East Germany! To stop people from fleeing, there were temporary blockades put into place. Finally, barbed wire and the infamous wall were added.

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